Tourist Guide to Safety Tips While Travelling in New Zealand
New Zealand has been hailed as one of the safest countries for tourists to visit. Crime rates are very low, and the crimes that exist are petty theft cases. However, just to stay on the safe side and ensure that your journey is flawless, there are a few travel tips and precautions that travellers must follow while visiting the land of Kiwis.
A dream country for every traveler to visit, New Zealand is a country of diverse natural beauty. The country is filled with breathtaking views of mountains, bushes, pasture lands, rivers, and beaches. The islands are sparsely populated, but the highly developed roads and traffic control throughout the country keep the islands easily accessible.
New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)
New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.
General Safety Measures for Tourists
If you are visiting New Zealand, you will be required to take the same precautionary measures as you would in other countries as well. We have listed out the steps that are recommended for a safe and trouble-less journey -
- Make copies of all your important documents, such as your passport, New Zealand visa, and credit cards, and store them in a separate folder.
- Remember the emergency phone number of New Zealand is “111”. Do not hesitate to call this number in case you feel threatened or unsafe. The number is toll-free.
- If you are going out at night, stick to places that are well-lit and crowded. Avoid availing of shortcuts or alleyways. Try to take a cab or a ride from someone you know.
- Do not leave your drinks unattended and avoid taking drinks from strangers.
- Whenever you are leaving your car or mode of transportation, double-check to make sure that all the doors are locked and windows closed.
- Try not to leave your possessions, including your bags, wallets, and cameras unattended in public places, especially in airports, bus and train stations.
- Avoid carrying around large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery. In case any of your belongings are lost or stolen, inform the local police as soon as possible.
- When withdrawing cash from an ATM, stick to small amounts only. Try to do it during the day and hide your pin.
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Many of New Zealand’s natural wonders are free to visit. All you need to do is plan a budget trip to New Zealand using affordable transport, food, accommodation, and other smart tips that we give in this travel guide to New Zealand on a budget. Learn more at Budget Travel Guide to New Zealand
Safety Measures When Touring Through New Zealand’s Natural Surroundings
New Zealand is mostly visited by tourists in order to cherish the great outdoor environment. However, it is not uncommon for them to underestimate the risks that are associated with staying amidst nature.
Keep in mind that spending a day at your local park is vastly different from spending a day in a natural park, so you need to prepare yourself accordingly. Below we have shared a few important safety measures that you must ensure while visiting the great outdoors of New Zealand -
The changeable weather conditions - New Zealand’s weather is famous for taking drastic turns and getting rather severe at times. Even if the day starts out on sunny notes, it can quickly change into a cold and wet day. Whether you are heading out for the waters, mountains, or forests, always be prepared to be faced with cold and wet weather.
Even the sunlight is much stronger here if compared to that of North America or Europe, thanks to the clear and unpolluted atmosphere combined with New Zealand’s low latitudes. So do not forget to pack sunblock and hats and keep a constant eye on the weather forecast. Before you set out for a hike or walk, check out for all weather updates by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The difficult terrains - Never underestimate any of the natural terrains of New Zealand. You must be considerably fit to enjoy a walk through the mountains, bushes, and national parks. Thoroughly check the recommended level of fitness for every hike or walk before you participate in it.
Make sure that you are wearing suitable clothes and footwear - Avoid using cheap raincoats since they will not be very useful against harsh windy or wet conditions. Similarly, your regular shoes will not be suitable for taking a walk on the muddy path or for rock climbing.
Always inform someone about your whereabouts - Whether it is a friend or your travel acquaintance, always keep someone informed about where you are going. Set a “panic” date or time for your return, so that they can raise an alarm if you are not back by then. You can also leave the details of your plan with the DOC - the more informed the authorities are, the higher the chances to rescue you safe and sound.
If you are lost, seek shelter immediately - If you feel you are lost, seek shelter but try not to move far away from where you currently are. Use a flashlight to attract attention at night and try to position something that is colourful in easy view to help with the helicopter search during the day.
Be prepared to be faced with any of the challenges - In order to be prepared well enough, you need to be prepared to be faced with any or all of the points mentioned above. Choose the right clothing and footwear, carry all safety equipment, and have enough food and water to keep you going in case of an emergency.
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Before you go out camping in New Zealand, here are a few things that you should know beforehand, to have an unforgettable experience. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Camping in New Zealand.
Safety Measures When in Water
New Zealand is positioned amidst the heart of the ocean, thus having a huge coastline and extensive network of waterways. This provides ample opportunities for tourists to take part in water sports. But even in water, you can be faced with many dangers, which you need to keep yourself prepared for. Follow the measures we mentioned below -
- If you feel doubtful or unsure, avoid the waters.
- If you plan to go boating, make sure to strap in the life jacket.
- Check whether the weather conditions look good or not before you head out.
- Always swim and surf in a group, and if you feel cold or tired, get out of the water.
- If a beach is marked as potentially dangerous, lifeguards will actively patrol it. They also put up yellow and red flags to mark the places which are the safest to swim. Always swim within the flags and listen to the advice of lifeguards.
- Always keep a watchful eye on your children.
- Try to recognize the pattern of ocean rip currents.
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Foreigners who must visit New Zealand on a crisis basis are granted an Emergency New Zealand Visa (eVisa for emergency). Learn more at The Emergency Visa to Visit New Zealand
Safety Measures When on Road
The smooth highways of New Zealand are a delight for every lover of a good long drive. In this case, too, you will be required to follow a few basic precautionary measures which we have listed out below -
- The left-hand side of the road is where you need to stick. Make sure to give way to other vehicles when you are taking a right turn.
- Be properly rested before you head out on the road, especially if you have taken a long flight to New Zealand.
- Your driver’s license must be your ultimate partner when you are driving.
- Always follow the speed limits. They have been rigorously enforced by the police, and speed cameras have been set up on every street in New Zealand to monitor the speed of vehicles on road.
- The driver along with the passengers must wear a set belt. If you have a child under the age of seven, buckle them within the approved child restraints.
- Refrain from using your phone while driving, as it is illegal to do so. The only exception is if you are on an emergency 111 call.
- Never drive under the influence of any kind of drug or alcohol. It is a crime and the penalties for doing so are severe.
- If you are driving slowly, pull over to a safe zone and let the traffic pass.
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From the 1st of October 2019, visitors from Visa Free countries also known as Visa Waiver countries must apply on https://www.visa-new-zealand.org for an online electronic Travel authorisation in the form of New Zealand Visitor Visa. learn more at New Zealand Tourist Visa information for all Visitors seeking short term travel to New Zealand
Health Insurance in case of an Accident
Your trip to New Zealand will be safe and secure if you are careful and follow all the precautionary measures we mentioned above. However, if you have any injury, you will be needing the assistance of New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
According to the policies of New Zealand, in case of injuries, you cannot sue a person for compensatory damages. But the ACC will help you to pay your medical fees as well as assist in recovery while you stay in New Zealand. You will still be required to pay part of the medical fees, thus you need to have your own travel and medical insurance.
Overall, New Zealand is a very safe country for travellers to visit, and cases of violent crimes are not at all common. With one of the lowest recorded gun crime rates in the world, the things that tourists mostly need to stay wary of are avoiding deserted or abandoned places, keeping a separate copy of all their important documents, and protecting their possessions in all public places. Now that you are all informed and prepared, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the diversity of grand nature!
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Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit the South Islands in New Zealand - the mountains wrap themselves in white snow, and there is no dearth of adventure as well as leisure activities to lose yourself in. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Winter in New Zealand’s South Island
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Mexican citizens, French citizens and Dutch citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.
Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.